Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Joker94 on September 22, 2009, 07:28:44 PM

Title: What transformer do I need
Post by: Joker94 on September 22, 2009, 07:28:44 PM

For my next robot I need to get a piece of nichrome wire or similar to red hot using higher voltage an or current.

I am not 100% sure what amperage i need as i am thinking about using some form of transformer.

any suggestions or circuits that would be usefull

Title: Re: What transformer do I need
Post by: RoboGeek on September 23, 2009, 11:37:46 AM

It will vary on the length of the wire and on the cooling effect from the thickness of the foam you are cutting. It's best to get an adjustable power supply so you can "dial it in" for each job.

Title: Re: What transformer do I need
Post by: Joker94 on September 23, 2009, 06:00:47 PM

It is not a foam cutter, it is a fuse igniter there for i need a small transformer on my robot. The other idea i had was have a thin strand of steel wool and have a normal battery or other supply ignit that to ignite the fuse.

Title: Re: What transformer do I need
Post by: chelmi on September 23, 2009, 08:32:26 PM

Quote from: Joker94 on September 23, 2009, 06:00:47 PM

The other idea i had was have a thin strand of steel wool and have a normal battery or other supply ignit that to ignite the fuse.

A lot easier. AFAIR, a 9V battery was enough.

Title: Re: What transformer do I need
Post by: Joker94 on September 23, 2009, 10:05:30 PM

Quote from: chelmi on September 23, 2009, 08:32:26 PM

A lot easier. AFAIR, a 9V battery was enough.

Yeh that is what i was thinking, overall it is going to be cheaper and easyer to setup and reset.

Title: Re: What transformer do I need
Post by: RoboGeek on September 24, 2009, 08:56:18 AM

Sorry I thought it was for a foam cutter.

For an ignitor you can use tiny 3v or 6v light bulbs and break the glass. They will go up fine from 12v.

Title: Re: What transformer do I need
Post by: Joker94 on September 24, 2009, 06:04:49 PM

light bulbs are another good idea, now i have two options. i'll do some testing to find the most reliable and easiest option.

thanks for your input. ;D

Title: Re: What transformer do I need
Post by: Spoil9 on September 24, 2009, 09:11:26 PM

I remember in High School putting LED's in the 120V outlet at our workstations to watch them pop and smoke.  Although that is really a waste of power on a small bot, if you're going for effects...